The vacant building on E. Church Street in Jasper that will be soon be home to Tractor Supply Company.

According to the City of Jasper’s Planning and Development Director Michael Castagna, the agricultural and livestock supply store Tractor Supply Company will move into the old Blue Star building on E. Church Street.

Castagna said the company has submitted site plans to the city and will begin renovations in the near future. “I think this will have a very positive impact on that corridor and will also help the downtown area,” said Pickens County Economic Development Director Gerry Nechvatal. “Anytime Pickens County residents don’t have to go out of the county to spend money, that is a good thing. This will help keep Pickens money in Pickens County.” The company, which has been in operation since 1938, features products for tractors, pets, hunting, fencing equipment, power tools, welding supplies and general lawn care supplies. There are currently 1,197 retail stores in 45 states, which employ more than 17,000 team members. Tractor Supply Company is headquartered in Brentwood, Tenn. Jasper Mayor John Weaver said he is “very pleased to have Tractor Supply coming into town. This is demonstrating a positive turnaround in our local economy.” When asked if he thought if the new retail store would have a negative impact on other businesses with similar product lines, Weaver said, “I don’t think so. They way it goes is that everybody gets more business when they see more business coming in.” At this point timeframes for renovations or a projected opening date have not been announced.